The quality of aging skin is affected by a loss in elasticity that occurs gradually but is most prominient in the last decades of life. Loss of elasticity is due in part to a change in the quality of connective tissue proteins such as elastin and collagen. The most common signs of aging skin are fine lines and wrinkles.

Fine lines and wrinkles are partially brought on by exposure to ultra violet radiation, diseases and smoking. Hydrophilic Elastin Peptides (HEP), trade name ELASTICA, when applied topically return elasticity or resilience to skin while helping to lessen wrinkles and fine lines.

Increased Elastin Gene Expression

In vitro studies using adult human dermal fibroblast cultures have allowed quantification of the effects of HEP. Using rtPCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) assay it was determined that HEP upregulates the expression of elastin mRNA in treated cells as compared to control or non-treated cells.

The previously described scientific data showed increased levels of newly synthesized tropoelastin in cell culture and increased cellular density in human skin (punch biopsies) as direct effects of HEP. A ramification of these data is that use of HEP, applied twice daily, effectively lessens the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Moreover, topically applied HEP returns elasticity and resilience to skin as shown through cutometer measurements.

The cutometer measures skin resilience, an element of which is elasticity. After 8 weeks of twice-daily use, the average improvement of skin resilience was approximately 145%. There were no side effects such as redness, peeling, irritation or sun sensitivity. The cutometer measurements and patient's verbal testaments to the improved softness translate to visual improvements that can be seen as a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles in the area(s) where HEP, trade name ELASTICA, have been applied.

The peptide or peptides of the present invention, as well as their corresponding therapeutic compositions are expected to have a variety of important applications. The following descriptions provide a brief summary of the conditions these peptide(s) are likely to benefit.

Skin conditions: There are many skin conditions and diseases which would benefit from elastin treatment. Beyond the obvious cosmetic applications (i.e., increased tone, turgor, and appearance), enhanced elastin production will produce long-term beneficial results. For example, the inherited disease Scleraderma is characterized by a thickening and stiffening of the skin, and cutaneous ulcers due to the overproduction of collagen (there are a number of diseases which involve overproduction of collagen and which seem to have an adverse effect on elastin production/content and compromise the tissue). This disease can also have systemic effects on organs and blood vessels. The stiffness and difficulty in motion along with the cutaneous ulcers would benefit greatly from incorporation of elastin into the skin. A similarly positive outcome would be expected with the treatment of lupus and rheumatoid related skin changes which are generally collagen-vascular diseases involving a decrease in elastin.

Other skin conditions would appear to benefit from the present invention. Conditions and problems such as acne rosacea, acne vulgaris, aging skin with vascular fragility, burn treatment, scar contractures from burns, radiation burns, pruritis (or chronic itching), psoriasis, urticaria (commonly referred to as hives), xerosis (abnormal dryness of the skin, eyes or mouth), vesicular dermatoses, cracked fingers and feet, drug eruptions (from an allergic reaction), epidermolysis (a skin condition where the epidermis is in a loosened state, often with the formation of blebs and bullae either spontaneously or after trauma), and erythema multiforme would benefit from treatment with the elastin peptide(s) of the present invention.

Additionally, there are heritable skin disorders such as cutis laxa and EDS or Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (a group of connective tissue disorders in which the skin hangs in loose pendulous folds believed to be caused by decreased elastic tissue formation as well as an abnormality in elastin formation or an excess of collagen), EDS, elastoderma, progeria, and pseudoxanthoma elasticum (an inherited disorder in which elastic fibers found in many tissues slowly become calcified) which would benefit from an increase in elastin in the affected tissues.

It is believed that the application of the peptides of the present invention alone or in combination with the tissue enhancing agents of the present invention would result in an increase in tissue elastin and may provide effective treatment for serious diseases such as pemphigus.

Hair: Hair growth, color, and removal can all be improved by treatment with elastin peptides which will make the hair stronger, more shiny, and improve the condition and healing of irritated skin upon removal of unwanted hair. Premature graying of hair may also be due to decreased elastin.

Lips: Chapped lips and chronic dermatitis or inflammation of the lips can be greatly improved upon treatment with elastin peptides of the present invention. Long-term relief would be a potential benefit from the stimulation of endogenous elastin in these tissues.

Elastica Skin Balancing™ technology and its “Patented” active ingredient “V2PQ” is the brainchild of Dr. Lawrence Sandberg, MD PhD, a top Elastin scientist. These highly effective products represent the rigors of renowned University Laboratory Science, Private, and Government grants, as well as Double Blind Studies conducted by Consumer Testing Laboratories. The deep insights and collaboration by our connective tissue experts, as well as extensive time and resources spent to deliver a worthy product to market, brings you the best in Anti-Aging Skin Care. Our scientists are dedicated Medical doctors who possess an impressive lifelong commitment and recognition to Elastin Protein research and discoveries. Be assured that this is real science and if anyone can produce a true Anti-Aging product, it is this team of skin cell specialists!